As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I have suffered from anxiety, depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) from the time I can remember. For better or worse, it’s part of who I am. I wasn’t always comfortable admitting I had all these “issues,” but, eventually, you just have to accept it and do your best with what God gave you. Over the years, I have learned various ways to “deal” with my mental health issues – mainly counseling, medication and getting sober (that was a big one).

However, that wasn’t always the case. Drinking was the main way I used to cope – with everything. If I was feeling anxious, I would drink; if I was feeling depressed, I would drink; if I was feeling obsessive, I would drink. And, on and on. It was a nasty little cycle I had going on. Of course, I always thought that drinking would make it better; that a few drinks would make it all go away. I would FINALLY feel relaxed! Ha!

The thing is, I never even realized that those drinks could actually be making my mental health issues worse. So, you can imagine my surprise when I came across the new health guide created by treatment center, Yellowbrick, that states the “Ten Mental Health Reasons Not to Drink Alcohol.”

It was like the first time I took one of those “are you an alcoholic?” quizzes. As I read down the list, I mentally made a check note by each one: interrupts normal sleep patterns (check), leads to rebound anxiety (check), contributes to increased impulsivity (check, check), interferes with prescribed medication (is that why my Prozac wasn’t working like it should’ve?).

I’m by no means telling “normal” people not to drink alcohol in moderation, but the reality is a huge percentage of our population suffers from anxiety and depression. If those people were more aware of the real effects drinking had on their mental health issues would that change their drinking patterns? Would they think twice about having that second, third or fourth drink? Maybe.

I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power and if we arm ourselves with the facts, we might be able to make different decisions in the future. Decisions that could potentially change the future of our health for the better.

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5 responses

I just love this post. I’m sitting here trying to journal about what holds me back from surrendering and my mind was wandering thinking of the antidepressant I am on. Would you believe I had a doctor tell me, “You can still drink on Wellbutrin; just do it on the opposite side of the clock so you sleep.” WHAT??? This is the advice I received from the medical community?? Needless to say, I have a new MD, am taking my pills SOBER and feel better than I have, well, ever. This is such a valuable post because we often fool ourselves- and in my case, with my doctor’s approval- that drinking with our medication is okay. It’s a downhill spiral and you making us aware is so helpful. Thank you.
Linda

I used to drink with the excuse that my antidepressants weren’t doing the trick and I had to self-medicate with alcohol. My denial about a drinking problem ran deep and it wasn’t until a therapist told me, “you need to stop drinking,” that I looked at the alcohol as a problem unto itself. So, now I have one more label added to “depression” — it’s “alcoholism.”

Which came first the chicken or the egg? It probably doesn’t matter as long as we address both issues (as you said) with therapy, medication and sobriety.

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Mom, wife, writer, aspiring DIYer and seeker of simplicity. I write about faith, food, family, sobriety and life on our small Oregon farm. My writing comes from my heart, transparent and honest, just as I aim to live my life today. In sharing my story, I hope you find inspiration to live your most authentic and joyful life. Thanks for stopping by!